Telephone system having message recording function

ABSTRACT

A telephone system having a message recording function includes a message receiving system that is connectable to a calling station to the telephone system through a telephone line and receives a message transmitted from the calling station through the telephone line, a message storage in which the message received by the message receiving system is stored, a message reproducing system that retrieves and outputs a message stored in the message storage. With this configuration, the message reproducing system reproduces the message with the telephone line being in the off-hook state.

This is a Continuation of Application Ser. No. 10/300,023 filed Nov. 20,2002. The entire disclosure of the prior application is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a telephone system having a messagerecording function, which is capable of recording messages from callersand reproducing the recorded messages.

Conventionally, a telephone implemented with an answering machine hasbeen known. The answering machine records messages of callers, which canbe reproduced by a predetermined operation by a user of the answeringmachine, or the telephone.

Recently, a cordless telephone system is widespread. Typically, acordless telephone system includes a base unit, which may have afacsimile function also, and one or more cordless handsets. Generally,each of the cordless handsets is placed on a charging cradle when it isnot used. When the cordless handset is placed on the cradle, arechargeable battery therein is charged by the cradle so that thecordless handset can always be fully charged and operable.

In such a cordless telephone system, the message recording function isimplemented. Generally, the cordless telephone system is configured suchthat an answering machine is provided in the base unit, and reproductionof the recorded messages can be performed using each handset.

In the conventional cordless telephone system, a telephone line is in anoff-hook state when the cordless handset are picked up from the cradlein view of the usability. However, in the conventional system, in orderto reproduce the recorded messages through the cordless handset,generally, the telephone line should be in an on-hook state. Therefore,when the user intends to reproduce the recorded messages using thecordless handset, the user is required to operate the cordless handsetto bring the line in the on-hook state, and then, the user operates tostart reproducing the messages.

In addition, since the messages are reproduced with the telephone linebeing on-hook, if there is an incoming telephone call, the telephonesystem operates to receive the call. In such a case, the line isautomatically brought into off-hook state and the reproduction of themessages should be interrupted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is advantageous in that the cordless telephonesystem having the message recording function is provided, with which therecorded messages can be reproduced without being interrupted.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a telephonesystem having a message recording function, which is provided with amessage receiving system that is connectable to a calling station to thetelephone system through a telephone line and receives a messagetransmitted from the calling station through the telephone line, amessage storage in which the message received by the message receivingsystem is stored, a message reproducing system that retrieves andoutputs a message stored in the message storage. Further provided are afirst instructing system that instructs the message reproducing systemto output a message with the telephone line being in an off-hook state,and a second instructing system that instructs the message reproducingsystem to output a message with the telephone line being in an on-hookstate.

With this configuration, regardless whether the telephone line ison-hook or off-hook when the instruction to start the reproduction ofmessages is issued, the reproduction is performed. Therefore, additionaloperation is not required.

Optionally, the telephone system as above may be provided with a linecondition detecting system that detects whether the telephone line is ina condition where a call from the telephone system can be made when amessage is reproduced with the telephone line being in the off-hookstate. Further, a condition changing system is provided. The linecondition changing system brings the telephone line into the on-hookstate, and then brings the telephone line into the off-hook state againa predetermined after the telephone line was brought into the on-hookstate, when the line condition detects that the telephone line is in thecondition where a call from the telephone line cannot be made.

With this configuration, it is ensured that the call can be made duringthe reproduction of the messages.

Further optionally, the telephone system may be provided with a callertelephone number storage that stores the telephone numbers of callerstations corresponding to messages stored in the message storage, thetelephone numbers of caller stations being stored in relationship to themessages corresponding thereto, and a calling system that makes a callwith reference to a telephone number stored in the caller telephonenumber storage when a message is reproduced and an instruction to make acall to the caller station corresponding to the reproduce message ismade.

Still optionally, the telephone system may be provided with numeral keysthrough which numerals are input. Further provided are a dial inputrecognizing system that recognizes an operation of a numeral key as apart of dial number input, and a command input recognizing system thatrecognizes an operation of a numeral key as a command input. An outputcontrolling system is further provided to actuate the messagereproducing system when a key input is recognized as the command inputby the command input recognizing system.

In this case, the command input recognizing system may recognize a keyinput as the command input when the key is operated for not less than apredetermined time period.

Still optionally, the telephone system may include a handset, and acradle on which the handset is placed. The telephone system may beconfigured such that the telephone line is on-hook when the handset isplaced on the cradle, and is off-hook when the handset is picked up fromthe cradle.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided atelephone system having a message recording function, which is providedwith a message receiving system that is connectable to a calling stationto the telephone system through a telephone line and receives a messagetransmitted from the calling station through the telephone line, amessage storage in which the message received by the message receivingsystem is stored, a message reproducing system that retrieves andoutputs a message stored in the message storage. With thisconfiguration, the message reproducing system reproduces the messagewith the telephone line being in the off-hook state.

According to the configuration above, the messages are reproduced withthe telephone line being in the off-hook state, the reproduction willnot be disturbed by an incoming call to the telephone system.

Optionally, the message reproducing system may bring the telephone lineinto the off-hook state if reproduction of a message is instructed whenthe telephone line is in an on-hook state.

Thus, regardless whether the telephone line is on-hook or off-hookbefore the reproducing is executed, it is ensured that the reproductionis done under the off-hook state.

Still optionally, the telephone may further include a line conditiondetecting system that detects whether the telephone line is in acondition where a call from the telephone system can be made when amessage is reproduced, and a condition changing system which changes thecondition of the telephone line so that a call from the telephone systemcan be made immediately upon request.

Further optionally, the telephone system may include a line conditiondetecting system that detects whether the telephone line is in acondition where a call from the telephone system can be made when amessage is reproduced with the telephone line being in the off-hookstate, a condition changing system which brings the telephone line intothe on-hook state, and then brings the telephone line into the off-hookstate again a predetermined after the telephone line was brought intothe on-hook state when the line condition detects that the telephoneline is in the condition where a call from the telephone line cannot bemade.

Furthermore, the telephone system may be provided with a callertelephone number storage that stores the telephone numbers of callerstations, each of the telephone numbers of caller stations being storedin relationship to a predetermined key. In this case, the messagestorage is configured to store each message in relationship to the samepredetermined key assigned to a corresponding telephone number of acaller station.

With this configuration, based on the key, both the telephone number ofa calling station, and the message transmitted therefrom can beidentified.

In a particular case, the predetermined key may include date and timewhen the telephone system received each message.

Still optionally, the telephone system may include a calling system thatmakes a call with reference to a telephone number stored in the callertelephone number storage when a message is reproduced and an instructionto make a call to the caller station corresponding to the reproducemessage is made.

Furthermore, the telephone system may be provided with numeral keysthrough which numerals are input, an input recognizing system thatrecognizes a predetermined command is input when a predeterminedoperation of the numeral keys is performed, and an output controllingsystem that actuates the message reproducing system when the inputrecognizing system recognizes that the predetermined key operation ofthe numeral keys is performed.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided atelephone system having a message recording function, the telephonesystem including a base unit having at least a telephone function andthe message recording function, and at least one cordless handset havinga message reproducing function. The base unit may include a messagereceiving system that is connectable to a calling station to thetelephone system through a telephone line and receives a messagetransmitted from the calling station through the telephone line, and amessage storage in which the message received by the message receivingsystem is stored. The at least one cordless handset may include acommunicating system used for communicating with the base unit, databeing exchanged using the communicating system, a message stored in themessage storage being transmitted form the base unit to the at least onecordless handset using the communicating system, and a messagereproducing system that reproduces the received message, and the messagereproducing system reproduces the message with the telephone line beingin the off-hook state.

Optionally, the at least one cordless handset may include a linecondition detecting system that detects whether the telephone line is ina condition where a call from the telephone system can be made when amessage is reproduced, and a condition changing system which changes thecondition of the telephone line so that a call from the telephone systemcan be made immediately upon request.

Further optionally, the base unit may be provided with a callertelephone number storage that stores the telephone numbers of callerstations, each of the telephone numbers of caller stations being storedin relationship to a predetermined key, and the message storage isconfigured to store each message in relationship to the samepredetermined key assigned to a corresponding telephone number of acaller station.

In a particular case, the predetermined key may include date and timewhen the telephone system received each message.

Still optionally, the at least one cordless handset may further includenumeral keys through which numerals are input, an input recognizingsystem that recognizes a predetermined command is input when apredetermined operation of the numeral keys is performed, and an outputcontrolling system that actuates the message reproducing system when theinput recognizing system recognizes that the predetermined key operationof the numeral key is performed.

The telephone system may further include a cradle on which the at leastone cordless handset is placed, the telephone line being on-hook whenthe at least one cordless handset is placed on the cradle, the telephoneline being off-hook when the at least one cordless handset is picked upfrom the cradle.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided atelephone system having a message recording function, which is providedwith a message receiving system that is connectable to a calling stationto the telephone system through a telephone line and receives a messagetransmitted from the calling station through the telephone line, amessage storage in which the message received by the message receivingsystem is stored, a message reproducing system that retrieves andoutputs a message stored in the message storage, an operable member thatis operable by a user, and an instruction system that instructs, uponoperation of the operable member, the message reproducing system tostart reproducing the message stored in the message storage when thetelephone line is in an off-hook state.

Optionally, the telephone system may be configured such that theinstruction system is capable of instructing the message reproducingsystem to start reproducing the message when the telephone line is in anon-hook state.

In this case, the message reproducing system may bring the telephoneline into the off-hook state if reproduction of a message is instructedwhen the telephone line is in the on-hook state.

Optionally, the message reproducing system reproduces the message withthe telephone line being in the off-hook sate.

Further optionally, the telephone system may include a line conditiondetecting system that detects whether the telephone line is in acondition where a call from the telephone system can be made when amessage is reproduced, and a condition changing system which changes thecondition of the telephone line so that a call from the telephone systemcan be made immediately upon request.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a-1 d are a perspective views of a cordless telephone systemincluding a base unit and three cordless handsets, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 a block diagram of the base unit and one of the cordless handsetsshown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a flowchart illustrating a REPRODUCTION PROCEDUREperformed by the cordless handset; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a BUSY TONE CHECK PROCEDURE called inthe REPRODUCTION PROCEDURE.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a cordless telephone system 1 having a message recordingfunction according to an embodiment of the invention will be describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cordless telephone system 1 includinga base unit 1 a and three cordless handsets 1 b-1 d, according to anembodiment of the invention.

The base unit 1 a has a function of telephone and facsimile device. Aswill be described, the telephone system 1 is configured such thattelephone numbers of called stations can be preliminarily recorded.Further, the telephone system 1 is compliant with a caller ID system.Accordingly, when it receives a telephone call, the telephone number ofthe calling station can be displayed.

The base unit 1 a is a communication device capable of operating as atelephone and a facsimile device, and further, it can transmit/receivee-mail messages, through a telephone line 26.

The base unit 1 a has a message recording function (also known as ananswering function) so that it can record incoming messages of a callerconnected through the telephone line 26, and reproduce recorded messageson request.

The base unit 1 a has a may body 2, and a handset 3 is provided on oneside of the main body 2. The handset 3 is placed on a hook (not shown)when not used (i.e., on-hook condition), and picked up therefrom (i.e.,off-hook condition) when used.

On an upper surface of the main body 2, an operation panel 4 isprovided. On the operation panel 4, a plurality of input buttons forinputting numbers/letters and a plurality of command buttons forinputting operation commands are provided. On an upper-left portion ofthe operation panel 4 in FIG. 1, a setting button 4 a, which is one ofthe command input buttons, is provided. When a user depresses thesetting button 4 a, a setting input window, through which the user canmake various settings, is displayed on the LCD 5.

At a central area of the operation panel 4, the LCD 5 is provided. TheLCD is provided with a touch panel. Operation status of the base unit 1a, connection status of the base unit 1 a or the cordless handsets 1 b-1d and the like are displayed on the LCD 5. Further, when the settingbutton 4 a or numeric keys 4 b are depressed, the operation statusand/or operation guidance is displayed on the LCD 5.

By operating the buttons on the operation panel 4 and/or touching animage displayed on the LCD 5, on which the touch panel is provided, theuser can input/modify the settings. Through the setting input windowdisplayed on the LCD 4, the user can register telephone numbers with atelephone book memory 14 a, which will be described later.

On a rear side with respect to the operation panel 4 and the LCD 5, anoriginal inlet 6 is formed. Originals transmitted by facsimile areinserted from the original inlet 6 with their faces down, which aredischarged from an original outlet 7 formed on a front surface of themain body 2.

Behind the original inlet 6, a sheet holder receiving section 9 isprovided. To the sheet holder receiving section 9, a sheet holder 10accommodating a stuck of recording sheets is detachably coupled. Therecording sheets are fed one by one in the base unit 1, images areprinted thereon, and discharged from a sheet outlet 8, which is locatedbelow the original outlet 7.

The main body 2 includes a built-in antenna 18 (see FIG. 2) which isuser for transmitting/receiving signals and data with respect to thecordless handsets 1 b-1 d. That is, the base unit 1 a and the cordlesshandsets 1 b-1 d are connected by wireless communication, using radiowaves. It should be noted that connection between the base unit 1 a andthe cordless handsets 1 b-1 d need not be limited to the wirelessconnection, and some or all of the cordless handsets may be connected tothe base unit 1 a through cables.

Each of the cordless handsets 1 b-1 d is provided with antenna 33 (seeFIG. 2), for communicating with the base unit 1 a. Each of the cordlesshandsets 1 b-1 d is capable of receiving the messages recorded in thebase unit 1 a through the wireless communication, and reproduces thesame using a speaker 36 (see FIG. 2). The cordless handsets 1 b-1 d areconfigured such that, when a message is reproduced, a telephone numberof a caller of the message is displayed, and a call to the displayedtelephone number can be made easily. The calling function of thecordless handsets 1 b-1 d is achieved such that a predetermined commandis transmitted to the base unit 1 a, and the base unit 1 a operates inaccordance with the predetermined command.

Each of the cordless handset 1 b-1 d includes an operation panel 37 andan LCD 38. At a central area of the operation panel 37, a plurality ofnumeral keys 37 a for inputting numerals and letters are provided.According to the embodiment, a button 42, which is the central button inthe top row of the numeral keys 37 a, functions as a command inputbutton and as a button inputting a numeral “2”. Specifically, when thebutton 42 is kept depressed for relatively short period (e.g., for lessthan two seconds), the input is recognized as input of numeral “two”,while, if the button 42 is kept depressed for more than thepredetermined period (e.g., for more than two seconds), the input isrecognized as the command input. If the input is recognized as thecommand input, the command is interpreted as a request for reproductionof the recorded messages.

On an upper left portion with respect to the numeral keys 37 a in FIG.1, a start key 44 is provided. The start key 44 is used for bringing thetelephone line 26 in the on-hook/off-hook state. If the start key 44 isdepressed when the telephone line 26 is on-hook, the telephone line 26is off-hook. If the start key 44 is depressed when the telephone line 26is off-hook, the telephone line 26 is on-hook. Further, if the start key44 is depressed when the telephone number of a caller (i.e., a callingstation) of the reproduced message is displayed on the LCD 38, a call tothe telephone number is made immediately.

On a bottom portion of the body of each cordless handset 1 b-1 d, amicrophone 35 that converts sound signal (spoken sound of the user ofthe cordless handset) to an electrical signal is provided. On an upperportion of the body, the speaker 36 is provided. With thisconfiguration, the cordless handsets 1 b-1 d enables communicate withthe main unit 1 a, and the calling station through the network 10.

As aforementioned, each of the cordless handsets 1 b-1 d is detachablycoupled to, or placed on the charging cradle 50. When the cordlesshandset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) is placed on the cradle 50, it is electricallyconnected through a connector 49 (see FIG. 2). Further, the cordlesshandset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) is configured such that when it is electricallyconnected with the cradle 50 through the connector 49, its operationstatus is in on-hook state, while, when the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1d) is picked up (decoupled) from the charging cradle 50, its operationstatus is in off-hook state. That is, when each of the cordless handsets1 b-1 d is picked up from the charging cradle 50, the telephone line isin the off-hook state.

As described above, when the button 42 is depressed for a long period,the message stored in the base unit 1 a is reproduced at the cordlesshandset whose button 42 has been depressed. When the button 42 isdepressed, the cordless handset may be placed on the charging cradle 50,or picked up therefrom. When the reproduction of the message isperformed, if the cordless handset has been picked up from the cradle50, the message is reproduced with the telephone line being in theoff-hook state. If the button 42 is depressed for a long period with thecordless handset is placed on the charging cradle 50, the telephone lineis in the on-hook state before the message is reproduced.

The charging cradle 50 charges a battery of the connected cordlesshandset at a predetermined voltage. The charging cradle 50 is connectedto an external power source, and supplies the power from the externalpower source to the connected cordless handset.

FIG. 2 a block diagram of the base unit 1 a and one of the cordlesshandsets 1 b-1 d shown in FIG. 1. Since the cordless handsets 1 b-1 dare identical, only the block diagram of the cordless handset 1 b isshown.

The base unit 1 a includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an EEPROM 14,an RTC (real time clock) 15, a sound LSI 17, an NTC (network controlunit) 18, an interface 51, a modem 20, a buffer 21, a scanner 22, anencoder 23, a decoder 24, a printer 25, the operation panel 4, the LCD 5and an amplifier 27, which are interconnected through a bus line 29.

The NCU 19 controls connection through the telephone line 26, and thebase unit 1 a is connected with the telephone line 26 through the NCU19. The NCU 19 receives various signals including a ring signaltransmitted from an exchange, transmits a dial signal for calling inresponse to the operation of the buttons provided on the operation panel4 or 37, and exchanges analog voice signals and data communication whenthe telephone line 26 is in the off-hook state. As shown in FIG. 2, theNCU 19 is connected with the handset 3 of the base unit 1 a.

The cordless telephone system 1 is compliant with the caller ID service.According to the caller ID service, when someone (i.e., a caller) make acall to the cordless telephone system 1, ID information, which istypically a phone number, of the calling device is transmitted from theexchange to the cordless telephone system 1. Typically, the telephonenumber (ID information) is transmitted immediately before the ringsignal or in a silent period between ring signals. Therefore, thetelephone number (ID information) is received by the NCU 19 before thehandset 3 is picked up (i.e., with the handset is in on-hook state). Thereceived telephone number is stored in a telephone number memory 13 a,which will be described later.

The CPU 11 controls each component connected with the bus line 29, inaccordance with various signals transmitted/received through the NCU 19to execute sound/data communication (e.g., telephone, facsimile etc.).The CPU 11 executes programs to performs the above controls. Theprograms to be executed by the CPU 11 is stored in the ROM 12.

The message recording function (i.e., the answering machine function) isone of telephonic functions realized by the CPU 11. The messagerecording function is activated when the telephone system 1 is notbrought into the off-hook state after a ringing sound is output by apredetermined times in response to reception of calling.

When the message recording function is activated, a message informingabsence of the user is transmitted to the calling station, and receivesthe reply (i.e., a message) from the calling station. The reply is anincoming message representing a speech of a caller, which is sound datatransmitted through the telephone line 26. If the caller does not speakin response to the message informing the absence of the user of thecalled station (i.e., the cordless telephone system 1), a silent message(no-sound message) is received as the incoming message.

The RAM 13 is a memory that temporarily stores various data. Asindicated in FIG. 2, the RAM 13 includes the afore-mentioned telephonenumber memory 13 a, and a message memory 13 b. The telephone numbermemory 13 a stores telephone numbers of callers, which are transmittedfrom the exchange.

When the cordless telephone system 1 receives the telephone number ofthe caller, the received telephone number is stored in the telephonenumber memory 13 a and then displayed on the LCD 5 (LCD 38). Under thiscondition, if the user operates the handset 3 (1 b, 1 c or 1 d) to bringthe same into off-hook state, the telephone number (i.e., the number ofthe caller which is being connected) is deleted from the telephonenumber memory 13 a.

If the called station is not brought into the off-hook state, and themessage recording function is activated, the telephone number is storedin the telephone number memory 13 a together with the date and time whenthe incoming message is received. The telephone number as storedtogether with the received date and time is deleted when thecorresponding message is deleted.

The message memory 13 b stores the messages transmitted from the callingstations. The messages transmitted through the telephone line 26 is ananalog voice signal, which is converted into digital sound signal by asound LSI (which will be described later), and is stored in the messagememory 13 b. It should be noted that each message is added with date andtime when the message is received, and then stored in the message memory13 b. The date and time added to each message are the same as thoseadded to the telephone number corresponding to the message. Therefore,when a message is to be output (reproduced), the corresponding telephonenumber can be identified using the date and time, and can easily beretrieved from the telephone number memory 13 a. The messages stored inthe message memory 13 b are deleted in response to a predeterminedoperation by the user, respectively.

Further to the above, in a predetermined area of the RAM 13, decodedfacsimile data is temporarily stored. The stored facsimile data is thentransmitted to the printer 25. After the facsimile data is printed bythe printer 25, the data is deleted from the RAM 13. Generally,facsimile data is relatively large in size. However, as described above,facsimile data is deleted conditional upon printing of the same.Therefore, the capacity of RAM 13 is efficiently used.

The EEPROM 14 is a non-rewritable, no-volatile memory. Data stored inthe EEPROM 14 remains therein undeleted even if the power supply isturned OFF. The EEPROM 14 is therefore used for storing data which isregistered/set by the user. That is, the EEPROM 14 is used forsemi-permanently and rewritably storing such data.

The telephone book memory 14 a stores the telephone numbers as desiredby the user. According to the cordless telephone system 1, by operatinginput buttons such as numeral keys 4 b with reference to the inputwindow displayed on the LCD 5, the user can store the desired telephonenumbers in the telephone book memory 14 a. With a certain operation, anyone of the telephone numbers can be displayed on the LCD 5, and with asimply key operation, a call to the displayed telephone number can bemade without inputting the entire numerals through the numerical keys 4b.

The RTC 15 is an IC (integrated circuit) which counts date (year, month,day and a day of week) and time (hour, minute and second). Asaforementioned, to a received message and to the corresponding telephonenumber, data indicative of date and time when the message is received isadded, so that the message and the telephone number correspondingthereto can be managed. The RTC 15 is connected with a battery circuit15 a which supplies a back-up voltage to the RTC 15 in case the power ofthe base unit 1 a is turned OFF. Since the battery circuit 15 a isprovided, even though the base unit 1 a is powered OFF, the clock iskeeps the date and time correctly.

The sound LSI 17 converts the analog sound signal received by the NCU 19into a digital sound signal. Further, a digital sound signal generatedinside the base unit 1 a is converted by the sound LSI 17 into an analogsound signal, which is inputted to the NCU 19. When the messages storedin the message memory 13 b are output (reproduced), the sound LSI 17converts the digitalized messages stored in the message memory 13 b intoan analog sound signal. The analog-converted sound signal (i.e.,message) is output from the speakers 28 or 36.

The interface 51 interfaces data communication between devices andcomplies with a predetermined electrical characteristic. The signaltransmitted from the base unit 1 a to each of the cordless handsets 1b-1 d is received by the antenna 18, and then input to the CPU 11through the interface 51.

The modem 20 modulates/demodulates signals representative of image dataand/or e-mail data. Further, the modem 20 transmits/receivescommunication procedure signals for controlling data communication. Thebuffer 21 is a memory temporarily storing encoded facsimile data whichis exchanged from/to another facsimile device through the telephone line26, image data of an original scanned by the scanner 22, and the like.

The scanner 22 scans originals which are inserted from the originalinlet 6. The encoder 23 encodes the image data of the original scannedby the scanner 23. The decoder 24 retrieves the facsimile data asreceived and stored in the buffer 21, and decodes the same. The decodeddata is temporarily stored in the RAM 13, and then transmitted to theprinter 25, which prints the image on a recording sheet.

The operation panel 4 is, as described above, subject to operation ofthe user of the base unit 1 a. The amplifier 27 amplifies a sound signalso that the ringing sound, audio messages and the like are output by thespeaker 28 connected to the amplifier 27.

Next, the configuration of the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 2. As aforementioned, since thecordless handsets 1 b-1 d have the identical configuration, only thecordless handset 1 b will be described.

The cordless handset 1 b has a CPU 30, a ROM 31, a RAM 32, an interface34, the operation panel 37 and the LCD 38, which are interconnected witheach other.

The CPU 30 controls each components of the cordless handset 1 b inaccordance with commands input by the user and various signalstransmitted from the base unit 1 a through the interface 34. The CPU 30performs the controls by executing programs, which are stored in the ROM31. A message reproducing procedure for reproducing message using thecordless handset 1 b, which will be described later, is also stored inthe ROM 31 as a part of the control programs. The RAM 32 temporarilystores various data.

The antenna 33 is used when data communication is performed between thebase unit 1 a and the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d). The antenna 33 isconnected to the interface 34, the microphone 35, and the speaker 36.The analog signal output by the base unit 1 a is received by the antenna33, and then transmitted to the speaker 36. The analog signal generatedby the microphone 35 is transmitted to the base unit 1 a from theantenna.

The interface 34 interfaces data communication between devices. Inparticular, the interface 34 is used for communicating with the baseunit 1 a to transmit/receive data. Signals transmitted from the cordlesshandset 1 b to the base unit 1 a are transmitted through the interface34 and the antenna 33, while the signals transmitted from the base unit1 a to the cordless handset 1 b are received through the antenna 33, andinput to the CPU 30 through the CPU 30.

The cordless handset 1 b is configured to be electrically connected withthe charging cradle 50 through the connector 49. When the connector 49connects the charging cradle 50, the cordless handset 1 b is suppliedwith power from an external power source. The power is supplied to apower unit 48 through the connector 49. The power unit 48 is providedwith a secondary battery (rechargeable battery), which is charged withthe supplied power. Since the cordless handset 1 b is usually placed onthe charging cradle 50 and thus the secondary battery is always charged,when the cordless handset 1 b is picked up from the charging cradle 50,it is ensured that the cordless handset 1 b is operable (powered).

The CPU 30 monitors a connection between the connector 49 with thecharging cradle 50. If the CPU 30 detects that the connector 49 isdisconnected from the charging cradle 50, the CPU 30 brings thetelephone line 26 in the off-hook state. If the CPU 30 detects that thedisconnected connector 49 is re-connected with the charging cradle 50,the CPU 30 brings the telephone line 26 in on-hook state.

Next, with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4, theREPRODUCTION PROCEDURE performed by each of the cordless handsets 1 b-1d will be described.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a flowchart illustrating a REPRODUCTION PROCEDUREperformed by the cordless handset, and FIG. 4 is a flowchartillustrating a BUSY TONE CHECK PROCEDURE which is called in theREPRODUCTION PROCEDURE.

The REPRODUCTION PROCEDUR performed by the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1d) is a procedure for reproducing the stored message at the cordlesshandset 1 b (1 c, 1 d). As described above, when the message recordingfunction is activated in the cordless telephone system 1, the message ofthe caller is stored in the message memory 13 b of the base unit 1 a. Inthe REPRODUCTION PROCEDURE performed by the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1d), retrieval of a message stored in the message memory 13 a, andtransmission of the retrieved message to the cordless handset 1 b (1 c,1 d) are instructed to the base unit 1 a.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d)is placed on the charging cradle 50 and the connector 49 is electricallyconnected to the charging cradle 50, the telephone line 26 is on-hook(S1). This state of the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) will be referredto as a stand-by state of the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d).

In S2, it is judged whether the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) ispicked up from the charging cradle 50. If the cordless handset 1 b (1 c,1 d) is picked up (S2: YES), the telephone line 26 is in the off-hookstate (S3). The status of the telephone line 26 is established asinstruction command is transmitted from the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1d) to the base unit 1 a.

In S4, it is judged whether numerical keys 37 a are operated. If anumerical key 37 a is operated (S4: YES), it is judged whether the keyoperation is a long-depression of the reproduction button (i.e., button42) in S5. If the key operation is the long-depression of thereproduction button (S5: YES), it means a request for reproduction of amessage. In this case, it is judged, in S6, whether another message isrecorded (when the procedure is executed first time, whether a messageis present) is examined. If there is another message recorded (S6: YES),reproduction of the message is started (i.e., the message is output asan audio wave from the speaker 36).

With this configuration, when the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) ispicked up from the charging cradle 50, the telephone line 26 isoff-hook, and reproduction of the message is performed with thetelephone line being off-hook, the reproduction can be performed withoutbeing disturbed. It should be noted that, if the message is reproducedwith the telephone line 26 being on-hook, there may be a call from acalling station, and in such a case a procedure for receiving the callmay be automatically executed during the reproduction of the message.Then, the reproduction may be interrupted. According to the embodiment,the reproduction of the message can be done with the telephone linebeing off-hook. Therefore, the reproduction may not be disturbed byreception of calls from other stations. The reproduction of the messageat the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) is performed as datacommunication is performed between the base unit 1 a and the cordlesshandset 1 b (1 c, 1 d).

In S8, it is judged whether a telephone number corresponding to thereproduced message is stored in the telephone number memory 13 a. If thecorresponding telephone number is stored in the telephone number memory13 a (S8: YES), the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) requires the baseunit 1 a to transmit the telephone number thereto, and displays thereceived telephone number on the LCD 38 (S9). In S10, it is judgedwhether the reproduction of the message is completed. If thereproduction of the message is not finished (S10: NO), a busy tonechecking procedure is called in S11. In the busy tone checkingprocedure, a busy tone is detected, and a condition where a call cannotbe made is eliminated, which will be described later with reference tothe flowchart shown in FIG. 4. It should be noted that, in order toallow the user to operate the start key 44 after the reproduction of themessage is finished, it is preferable that, in S10, it is judged whethera predetermined period (e.g., one second) has elapsed since thereproduction of the message was completed.

In S12, it is judged whether the start key 44 is depressed while thesteps S10, S11 and S12 are executed. If the start key 44 has beendepressed (S12: YES), dialing of the telephone number displayed on theLCD 38 is executed (S13), and the REPRODUCTION PROCEDURE is terminated.

As described above, with the BUSY TONE CHECKING PROCEDURE, a conditionwhere a call cannot be made is eliminated. Therefore, the off-hook stateis kept with enabling a condition where a call can be made. Therefore,when the user operates the start key 44 to call the caller (callingstation) of the reproduced message, the call can be made immediately.

If the operated key is not a numerical key 37 a (S4: NO), it is judgedwhether the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) is placed on the chargingcradle 50 (S14). If the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) is placed on thecharging cradle 50 (S14: YES), control proceeds to S11, where thetelephone line is in the on-hook state. If the cordless handset 1 b (1c, 1 d) is not placed on the charging cradle 50 (S14: NO), controlproceeds to S4 and waits until a numerical key 37 a is operated or thecordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) is placed back onto the charging cradle50.

In S5, if the reproduction button (button 42) is not long-depressed (S5:NO), control proceeds to S13, where the dialing is executed. In S6, ifno other message is stored in the message memory 13 b (S6: NO), controlproceeds to S4. In S8, if the telephone number corresponding to thereproduced message is not stored in the telephone number memory 13 a(S8: NO), control proceeds to S11 and calls the BUSY TONE CHECKINGPROCEDURE. After the busy tone checking procedure is performed, it isjudged whether the reproduction of the message is completed in S15. Ifthe reproduction is completed (S15: YES), control proceeds to S6. If thereproduction has not yet been completed (S15: NO), control proceeds toS11, and until the completion of the reproduction of the message, a loopconsisting of steps S11 and S15 is repeated.

In S10, if the reproduction of the message is completed (S10: YES),control proceeds to S6. In S12, if the start key 44 has not yet beendepressed (S12: NO), control proceeds to S10 and waits until thereproduction of the message is completed or the start key 44 isdepressed.

The reproduction of messages when the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) ispicked up from the charging cradle 50 is executed as described above (inS1 through S15).

Next, the reproduction of messages when the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1d) is stayed on the charging cradle 50 will be described.

If it is judged that the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) is not pickedup from the charging cradle (S2: NO), control proceeds to S16. It shouldbe noted that, during the stand-by sate, control proceeds from S2 to S3.

In S16, it is judged whether a numeral keys 37 a is operated. If anumeral key 37 a is operated (S16: YES), it is judged whether theoperation is a long-depression of the reproduction button (i.e., button42) (S17). If the operation is the long-depression of the reproductionbutton (button 42) (S17: YES), similar to S6, it is judged whetheranother message is stored in the message memory 13 b of the base unit 1a (S18). It should be noted that when the procedure shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B is executed first time, the first message is regarded as the“another message”.

If there is another message stored in the message memory 13 b (S18:YES), the telephone line 26 is off-hook (S19), and control proceeds toS7. With this procedure, even though the user operates the cordlesshandset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) to initiate the reproduction procedure with thecordless handset being placed on the charging cradle 50, the telephoneline 26 is in the off-hook state before the reproduction is started. Asa result, since the reproduction is executed under off-hook conditionsimilarly to a case where the operation to start reproduction with thecordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d) picked up from the charging cradle, thetelephone line 26 is in the off-hook state, and the reproduction willnot be disturbed by a call from another station.

If it is judged that a numerical key 37 a is not operated (S16: NO),control proceeds to S1. In S17, if it is judged that the operation isnot the long-depression of the reproduction button (button 42) (S17:NO), the key input is intended to dial a phone number. Accordingly, inthis case, the telephone line 26 is in the off-hook state (S21), andcontrol proceeds to S13 for dialing. In S18, if it is judged that thereis no further message in the message memory 13 b (S18: NO), controlproceeds to S16 to wait for input through a numeral key 37 a.

If the reproduction of the messages are performed under on-hook state,when a call is received, a reception procedure is automaticallyexecuted. In particular, the reproduction of the message is an audibleoutput, even though the reproduction is kept performed, the sound of themessage and ringing tones are overlapped, which causes difficulty inlistening to the message.

FIG. 4 is the BUSY TONE CHECKING PROCEDURE which is called in S11 or S20of the flowchart shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the reproduction of therecorded messages can be executed under the off-hook condition.Generally, when the off-hook condition is kept for more than apredetermined time period without dial tones, the telephone line isbrought into a condition where a call cannot be made. In such a case, abusy tone is received through the telephone line 26.

The BUSY TONE CHECKING PROCEDURE is for detecting such a condition, andif detected, to eliminate the condition.

In S31, it is checked whether the busy tone is detected. If the busytone is detected (S31: YES), the telephone line 26 is in the on-hookstate (S32), and then, control pauses for a predetermined period (e.g.,six seconds) in S33. It is known that, when the condition of thetelephone line 26 is changed from the off-hook state to the on-hookstate, it cannot be changed to the off-hook state again immediately.Accordingly, in this procedure, a pause period (S33) is provided.Thereafter, the telephone line 26 is in the off-hook state in S34, andthe procedure is terminated. If it is judged that no busy tone isgenerated (S31: NO), no further steps are executed and the procedure isterminated immediately.

As described above, with the cordless telephone system l according tothe embodiment of the invention, the messages can be reproduced underthe off-hook state. Therefore, when the reproduction is performed byoperating the cordless handset 1 b (1 c, 1 d), it is not necessary tooperate the handset to open the telephone line, and the reproduction ofmessages can be started immediately. Since the reproduction is performedunder the off-hook state, the reproduction will not be disturbed byincoming calls. Further, during the reproduction procedure, the BUSYTONE CHECKING PROCEDURE described above is executed so that the a callcan be emitted immediately if operated since a condition where the callcannot be made is eliminated by the BUSY TONE CHECKING PROCEDURE.

The present invention is explained with reference to the exemplaryembodiment. It should be stressed that the invention is not limited tothe configuration described above, and various modifications can be madewithout departing from the gist of the invention.

In the above-described embodiment, when the message is output at thecordless handsets 1 b-1 d, if the telephone number corresponding to theoutput message is stored in the telephone number memory 13 a, thetelephone number is displayed on the LCD 38. This can be modified suchthat the only when the telephone number stored in the telephone numbermemory 13 a is registered with the telephone book memory 14 a.Generally, any call is received unless a setting is made to reject callsfor certain caller. Therefore, even calls having less importance, forexample, calls directed to sales or campaigns are also received.Accordingly, telephone numbers which are unnecessary for the user arealso stored in the telephone number memory 13 a. In the telephone bookmemory 14 a, the user stores the telephone numbers which are importantand/or necessary for the user. Therefore, with the above-describedmodification, only the important and/or necessary telephone numbers aredisplayed on the LCD 38 when the messages are reproduced. With thisconfiguration, the user can distinguish the important messages fromunnecessary or less important messages.

In the above-described embodiment, a case where the messages arereproduced at the cordless handsets 1 b-1 d is described. It should benoted that, even when the messages are reproduced by the base unit 1 a,the similar control is applicable. That is, the base unit 1 a may beconfigured such that the messages are reproduced with the telephone linebeing off-hook. Further, the telephone numbers corresponding to themessages may be displayed, calls to the displayed numbers can be madewith a simple operation, and the busy tone checking procedure may beexecuted.

According to the embodiment, the long-depression of the reproduction key(button 42) is recognized as the input of a command initiating thereproduction of the messages. The invention is not limited to thisconfiguration and various modification can be made. Alternatively oroptionally with respect to the configuration described above, forexample, the cordless handset may be provided with a dedicated operablemember, operation of which initiating the reproduction of the messages.Alternatively or optionally, a combination of two keys (i.e.,simultaneous depression of two keys) may be regarded as the input of thecommand. A user who is not familiar with operation of the cordlesshandset may tend to depress each button for relatively long period evenwhen the user dials a telephone number. In such a case, such anoperation of a button may be erroneously recognized as the input of thecommand. If the cordless handset is configured such that thesimultaneous operation of two keys inputs the command, such a erroneousrecognition can be eliminated, and the command input and dialingoperation can be distinguished without fail. In this case, the two keysto be simultaneously depressed may be predetermined keys, or any twokeys.

In the above-described embodiment, when the reproduction of the messagesis performed, regardless whether the cordless handset is placed on orpicked up from the charging cradle 50, the telephone line is in theoff-hook state. Alternatively, the configuration may be modified suchthat when the cordless handset is placed on the charge cradle 50, stepS19 is skipped and the reproduction is performed with the telephone linebeing in the on-hook state. In a normal use, when the cordless handsetis placed on the charging cradle 50, the telephone system 1 is ready toreceive a call. According to this modification, although the message isbeing reproduced, a call can be received when the cordless handset is onthe cradle.

Further, according to the embodiment, the messages stored in the messagememory 13 b are deleted when a predetermined operation is performed.Alternatively, it is modified such that a messages is deleted whendialing operation (calling operation) corresponding to the message isperformed. Execution of dialing (calling) to a caller of the messageimplies that the user has listened to the message corresponding to thetelephone number, and thus, the message is no more necessary and can bedeleted. If a plurality of messages including those the user has alreadylistened to are stored in the memory, the use is required to performadditional operation to listen to messages new to the user. Therefore,it is convenient, if the unnecessary messages are automatically deleted.

According to the embodiment, the messages can be reproduced with thetelephone line being in the off-hook state. The telephone system may beenhanced such that, if the reproduction of a message is initiated whenthe telephone lines is connected, the reproduced message is transmittedto the telephone lines so that users of the calling and called stationscan listen to the message.

The busy tone checking procedure is incorporated to eliminate thecondition where the telephone line is in the off-hook state and a callcannot be made. The condition is checked by detecting the busy tone.This may be modified that occurrence of such a condition is checked bydetecting the absence of the dial tone.

The messages may not be limited to the sound messages, but may includedata messages such as e-mail messages. In this case, when the contentsof e-mail messages received by the base unit 1 a are reviewed with thecordless handset, regardless whether the cordless handset is placed onor picked up from the charging cradle, an instruction to transmits thee-mail messages to the base unit 1 a, without additional operation suchas bringing the telephone line into on-hook state being required.

The present disclosure relates to the subject matter contained inJapanese Patent Application No. 2001-354535, filed on Nov. 20, 2001,which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

1. A telephone system having a message recording function, comprising: a main body connected to a telephone line; at least one handset placed on a cradle, said at least one handset being connectable to the main body, said at least one handset being connectable to the telephone line through the main body; a message receiving system that is connectable to a calling station through the telephone line and capable of receiving a message transmitted from the calling station through the telephone line when in a connected state; a message storage in which the message received by the message receiving system is stored;. and a message reproducing system that retrieves and outputs a message stored in the message storage, wherein the telephone line is set to an off-hook state when said at least one handset is picked up from the cradle, wherein said at least one handset includes an instructing system that instructs said message reproducing system to output a message, and wherein said telephone system is configured to keep said the telephone line in the off-hook state once the telephone line is set in the off-hook state.
 2. The telephone system according to claim 1, wherein the telephone line is in an on-hook state when said at least one handset is placed on the cradle.
 3. The telephone system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one handset is connectable to the main body through wireless communication.
 4. The telephone system according to claim 1, wherein said message reproducing system sets the telephone line in the off-hook state when the message stored therein is reproduced.
 5. The telephone system according to claim 1, further comprising: a caller telephone number storage that stores the telephone numbers of caller stations corresponding to message stored in said message storage, the telephone numbers of caller stations being stored in relationship to the messages corresponding thereto; and a calling system that makes a call with reference to a telephone number stored in said caller telephone number storage when a message is reproduced and an instruction to make a call to the caller station corresponding to the reproduce message is made.
 6. The telephone system according to claim 5, wherein said at least one handset further includes a displaying system configured to display the telephone numbers of caller stations.
 7. The telephone system according to claim 6, wherein said at least one handset further includes an operable member, said at least one handset being configured to make a call to a telephone number displayed on said displaying system when said operable member is operated.
 8. The telephone system according to claim 1, further comprising: numeral keys through which numerals are input; a dial input recognizing system that recognizes an operation of a numeral key as a part of dial number input; a command input recognizing system that recognizes an operation of a numeral key as a command input; and an output controlling system that actuates said message reproducing system when a key input is recognized as the command input by said command input recognizing system.
 9. The telephone system according to claim 8, wherein said command input recognizing system recognizes a key input as the command input when the key is operated for not less than a predetermined time period.
 10. A telephone system having a message recording function, comprising: a main body connected to a telephone line; at least one handset placed on a cradle, said at least one handset being connectable to the main body, said at least one handset being connectable to the telephone line through the main body; a message receiving system that is connectable to a calling station through a telephone line and capable of receiving a message transmitted from the calling station through the telephone line when in a connected state; a message storage in which the message received by the message receiving system is stored; and a message reproducing system that retrieves and outputs the message stored in the message storage, wherein the telephone line is set to an off-hook state when said at least one handset is picked up from the cradle; and wherein said at least one handset includes: a first instructing system that instructs said message reproducing system to output the message when the at least one handset is placed on the cradle; and a second instructing system that instructs said message reproducing system to output the message when the at least one handset is picked up from the cradle wherein said message reproducing system reproduces the message with the telephone line being in the off-hook state regardless whether the reproduction of the message is instructed by the first instructing system or the second instructing system.
 11. The telephone system according to claim 10, wherein the telephone line is in an on-hook state when said at least one handset is placed on the cradle.
 12. The telephone system according to claim 10, wherein said at least one handset is connectable to the main body through wireless communication.
 13. The telephone system according to claim 10, further comprising: a caller telephone number storage that stores the telephone numbers of caller stations corresponding to message stored in said message storage, the telephone numbers of caller stations being stored in relationship to the messages corresponding thereto; and a calling system that makes a call with reference to a telephone number stored in said caller telephone number storage when a message is reproduced and an instruction to make a call to the caller station corresponding to the reproduce message is made.
 14. The telephone system according to claim 13, wherein said at least one handset further includes a displaying system configured to display the telephone numbers of caller stations.
 15. The telephone system according to claim 14, wherein said at least one handset further includes an operable member, said at least one handset being configured to make a call to a telephone number displayed on said displaying system when said operable member is operated.
 16. The telephone system according to claim 10, further comprising: numeral keys through which numerals are input; a dial input recognizing system that recognizes an operation of a numeral key as a part of dial number input; a command input recognizing system that recognizes an operation of a numeral key as a command input; and an output controlling system that actuates said message reproducing system when a key input is recognized as the command input by said command input recognizing system.
 17. The telephone system according to claim 16, wherein said command input recognizing system recognizes a key input as the command input when the key is operated for not less than a predetermined time period. 